<p>I am doing QuestBridge, and need now to rank the colleges. Many of them are liberal arts colleges. I thought I understood what this meant before, but now I am not so sure. I plan to primarily go to school for a major in a science (physics possibly) and lead to a career in research. I want to double major though, with my other major in either piano or music.
I thought that since I was going to focus on science that I would want to go to a research school. However, I know Amherst is very prestigious and is also a liberal arts college, so basically I am not so sure now.</p>
<p>Basically what I am asking is, should I consider liberal arts colleges or not?</p>
<p>Yes, you should still consider liberal arts colleges. I was also a questbridge scholar, and got into Amherst and Pomona with questbridge. I’m not a science major but both schools are strong in the sciences and offer research opportunities in all the science fields (I’m at pomona and a ton of my friends do research). I would advise applying to both types of schools (LAC’s/ universities), see where you get in, and then decide on fit on a school by school basis.</p>
<p>Amherst would give you the greatest versatility and flexibility to entertain all of your intellectual interests as you gradually sharpen your focus on research.</p>
<p>It’s very possible and more likely for the individual student at a premiere LAC to enjoy strong, interpersonal relationships with professors, and to undertake original and meaningful research with them.</p>
<p>And, as a Questbridge scholar, you would be given particular guidance and attention by faculty and administrators to more freely and ably embark on whatever path you find yourself taking in the end.</p>
<p>Chris, The primary differences between universities and liberal arts colleges are size – most LACs are between 1500 and 2500 students – and limited “in-house” graduate and professional schools. Like universities, LACs vary in academic rigor; some are excellent, some are less so. </p>
<p>At the top LACs you will get an education that is as good as, if not better than, a similarly ranked university. You will get a lot of individual attention from your professors and when it comes time to apply to graduate school your recommenders will know you personally. The top LACs have excellent track records for getting their students into top graduate programs.</p>
<p>Basically, some like big, some like small and most will do best academically in the environment that they feel most comfortable in. Which is better can be debated to eternity; the question is which is a better fit for YOU. </p>
<p>Each LAC has a distinctive personality. Try to visit and get a feel for the differences.</p>
<p>For excellent physics (and other sciences) plus excellent music you should take a look at Williams.</p>
<p>Scroll down to the .pdf report, “Does it matter where I go to college?” which compares outcomes for physics bachelors from large and small departments.</p>
<p>My brother went to a small LAC and then to arguably the best graduate school in the country for a physics PHD. Williams is good for physics and music. I’d also check our Haverford, Swarthmore, and Smith if your a girl. But, I’m sure there are a lot more excellent LACs for you.</p>